Can Galvanized Pipe Be Repaired?

If you live in a newer home, you probably won’t have to deal with galvanized plumbing. But if your home was built around the 1960s, this could be the piping that was used. If your house does have galvanized pipes, you’ve probably already noticed some pretty big issues. For one thing, these pipes tend to harbor a lot of sediment buildup that makes the water passageway narrower and narrower. And at some point, it will completely close off the water supply. This pipe also tends to corrode and leak at its joints. If someone owned the house before you, you’ll probably see a lot of wrapping and attempted repairs on the pipe that didn’t hold up for very long. So, the question here is, can it be fixed?

Why are galvanized pipes a problem?

Galvanized metal is not made to react well with water. When the two substances meet, corrosion starts to take place inside the pipes. This corrosion not only causes leaks, it also adds sediment to the water supply, reducing its quality. The sediment buildup also causes cracks and leaks in the pipes and weakens water pressure.

Is galvanized plumbing safe?

Despite its problems, galvanized plumbing is still considered relatively safe for the water supply, even for drinking purposes. However, the corrosion that usually happens within these pipes could be cause for concern because of its lowered pH levels. The byproducts that water carried through galvanized plumbing contains could bear some health concerns. It’s a good idea to have your water tested if you’re not sure of its quality. This is especially true if you are purchasing a home with older plumbing.

Can you repair galvanized pipes?

Galvanized pipes can be repaired. But the general recommendation is that they be replaced completely if at all possible. However, sometimes a new plumbing system is simply not feasible. If you need to repair galvanized pipes, it’s always best to call a professional, such as the ones at USA Pipe Repair to make sure the job is done right. A professional will examine your pipes thoroughly for possible leaks and corrosion. They will then determine the best course of action for your repairs and give you estimates for making them.

Once they begin the repairs, they will probably remove any damaged sections of the pipe and replace it with pieces of PVC or other pipe materials. They will then seal these sections with waterproof sealants. They will also likely clean out your pipes with plumbing-safe solvents to remove some of the buildup caused by corrosion.

If you decide to tackle these repairs on your own, make sure turn off your water supply and have the necessary tools on-hand. You’ll need some good portable lighting so that you can spot buildup in the pipes. You’ll need some small sections of PVC piping and fittings.

And you’ll need a saw to remove old pipe and trim the new, and a waterproof sealant to brush over the fittings.

When is it time to replace your galvanized pipes?

Because galvanized plumbing can cause such serious issues, it’s probably a good idea to go ahead and replace it as soon as possible. You can call around to get estimates and check on things like perforated steel tubing quotes. However, since it can be costly to make such a big change, some homeowners are reluctant to do so. If this is the case and you’d like to get as much wear out of your plumbing system as possible, there are some things to look for.

One thing to look for in old pipes is discolored water. Discolored water may be a sign that there is heavy sediment and corrosion in your pipes. This can be the case for metals such as iron, as well. Another sign your pipes need to be replaced is extremely low water pressure. This could be caused by leaks or too much buildup in the pipes. While in some cases, this can be repaired, it’s likely time for older pipes to be removed.

When it is time to replace those old pipes, check with local plumbing professionals for the best quotes and materials to use.